Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed*** and may vary from person to person***.

Once you see a mucous retention cyst, you may be concerned about the initial cause and whether it is cancerous.

These small sacs are benign, but they should be taken seriously as they can lead to damage in the respiratory tract, including the vocal cords.

We will look at the various types and causes of these cysts and possible mucous retention cyst treatment.

What Is Mucous Retention Cyst?

A mucous retention cyst is a small sac of mucous that forms when a mucus duct becomes blocked due to an irritant. They are typically found in the upper respiratory tract and affect the sinuses, salivary glands, throat, vocal cords, and the lips.

A mucous cyst is visible to the naked eye when it is on the lips but may only be discovered with imaging tests when on other body parts.

Mucous Retention Cyst Causes

Mucous retention cysts develop as a result of a blockage of the ducts that the mucous secretes through. Each affected region has its own mucous glands for proper lubrication of the surrounding respiratory passages.

You may see the common mucous cyst, which appears on the inside of the mouth or the upper or lower lips. These cysts develop after constant trauma to the lip such as biting or sucking lip through the spaces between the teeth. They are commonly seen after a jewelry piercing in the tongue or lips. Although a mucous cyst is painless and harmless, it may lead to a permanent bump.

Symptoms of Mucous Retention Cyst

Mucous retention cyst symptoms are usually grouped into bumps with little to no accompanying symptoms. The symptoms are linked once the cyst is classified into subcategories. We’ve listed the symptoms below in accordance with the location of the mucous retention cyst.

1. Vocal Cord

A mucous retention cyst of the vocal cords presents as a yellow lesion on the fold in a bulging manner. The voice may be weak, disappearing, or hoarse.

2. Salivary Gland

Obvious signs of a mucous retention cyst at this gland include difficulty chewing, swallowing, and talking.

3. Lips

As mentioned, a cyst can appear on the inner lips, and the mucous retention cyst may have a bluish hue.

4. Throat

Mucous retention cysts in the throat region may have you constantly clearing your throat. Headaches may also be present.

5. Maxillary Sinus

A mucous retention cyst in the maxillary sinus area usually does not show any symptoms. A few cases may see facial pain, headaches, and sinus infections.

Types of Mucous Retention Cyst

The types of mucous retention cysts are divided into the regions they are found.

1. Salivary Glands

Our saliva originates through the salivary ducts from the salivary glands. Any trauma or irritation to the ducts can cause the saliva to build up in the glands and form mucous retention cysts.

2. Lips

The inner surfaces of our lips are comprised of numerous salivary glands. Injury or trauma to the secretion ducts such as biting or sucking the lips will result in formation of mucous retention cysts. Lip piercings can also impair the ducts function.

3. Maxillary Sinus

The maxillary sinuses sit on either side of the nasal passage just below the cheek bones. The localized mucous glands can develop cysts when the ducts cannot drain the mucous. This can happen with frequent chronic sinus infections, trauma to the cheekbone, or from the effects of allergies.

4. Frontal Sinus

Below the forehead sit the frontal sinuses, which can have cysts develop in the same way as the maxillary sinuses. In this case, the mucous retention cyst can lead to severe headaches, eye protrusion, and possibly require surgery to save vision.

5. Vocal Cords

The vocal cords have nearby mucous glands to lubricate the vocal cords and to assist in producing the voice. If the ducts are obstructed, mucous retention cysts will form.

Treatment for Mucous Retention Cyst

The mucous retention cyst treatment comes into play if the cyst produces severe pain or issues with the localized glands. In these cases, surgery to adjust or remove the cyst is required.

Vocal cord surgery is needed if there are issues with swallowing and speaking. The cysts are removed with a small cut into the folds.

Salivary glands with mucous retention cysts are usually drained or removed with a small incision.

Throat surgery to deal with the cyst is only performed to drain the mucous. If the cyst is present on a tonsil, then the tonsil itself is surgically removed.

Maxillary sinus cysts are usually left to dissolve on their own unless there are frequent chronic sinus problems. Nasal surgery may be necessary to remove the cyst and reconstruct the ducts.

A mucous retention cyst can look worse than it actually is as these cysts are benign. They can present with pain and cause issues depending on the region of development. Many cysts exist without notice as they are internal and can only be seen by us when on the inner lips. Treatment is usually only carried out as surgical procedures if the cysts require removal.

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Disclaimer: The information contained herein is for information purposes only and is not to be construed as a diagnosis, treatment, preventive, or cure for any disease, disorder, or abnormal physical state, nor should it be considered a substitute for medical care from your doctor. On any matter relating to your health or well-being—and prior to undertaking any health-related activity—consult an appropriate health professional. The opinions herein are exactly that, they are the opinions of the author. Doctors Health Press and its employees are not responsible for medically unsupervised activities that could be harmful to your health. Results are not guaranteed*** and may vary from person to person***. All of the Doctors Health Press publications come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with your newsletter, you can simply cancel your subscription and receive a pro-rated refund on all undelivered issues. For our books and special reports, we will give you a full refund of your purchase price within 30 days of your order. We pride ourselves on excellent customer service.

Disclaimer: The information contained herein is for information purposes only and is not to be construed as a diagnosis, treatment, preventive, or cure for any disease, disorder, or abnormal physical state, nor should it be considered a substitute for medical care from your doctor. On any matter relating to your health or well-being—and prior to undertaking any health-related activity—consult an appropriate health professional. The opinions herein are exactly that, they are the opinions of the author. Doctors Health Press and its employees are not responsible for medically unsupervised activities that could be harmful to your health. Results are not guaranteed*** and may vary from person to person***. All of the Doctors Health Press publications come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with your newsletter, you can simply cancel your subscription and receive a pro-rated refund on all undelivered issues. For our books and special reports, we will give you a full refund of your purchase price within 30 days of your order. We pride ourselves on excellent customer service.